Conservation and Management

National and international laws and policy

The primary national legislation governing the conservation of flora and fauna in India falls under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) – the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA). This foundational act is complemented by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which safeguards coastal regions by establishing coastal regulation zones and corresponding legal provisions. In a significant amendment to the WLPA in 2022, 26 elasmobranch species are now protected under the law, marking a vital step in their conservation. Moreover, in August 2013, the MoEF&CC (Wildlife Division) took a decisive step by prohibiting the removal of shark fins from live sharks in the water, promoting the landing of sharks with their fins intact. The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI, further reinforced conservation efforts by banning the export and import of shark fins from all species since February 2015.

On a global scale, the United Nations launched a pivotal initiative in 1999, known as the International Plan of Action for Sharks (IPOA-Sharks), which encourages governments to manage and protect shark populations through National Plans of Action (NPOA). In India, the ICAR-CMFRI introduced the Guidance on NPOA for Sharks in 2015, outlining the key conservation goals and highlighting gaps in research and policy. India is actively participating in various international agreements, including being a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), among others.

Effective management

In order to effectively develop suitable management strategies for elasmobranch conservation in India, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. Firstly, it is crucial to undertake a comprehensive revision of the nomenclature and taxonomy of many elasmobranch species. This is vital to clarify any existing taxonomic ambiguities, and one way to achieve this is through molecular genetic studies. These genetic population studies are essential for gaining insights into population boundaries and subpopulation structures.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need for improved information regarding the stock and migration patterns of sharks. Currently, our knowledge in this area relies heavily on fisheries-dependent studies, which offer limited data. To overcome this limitation, it is imperative to combine both fisheries-dependent and independent methods to estimate stocks accurately.

By integrating updated taxonomy, genetic information, and a holistic approach that combines both types of studies, we can lay the foundation for robust elasmobranch conservation strategies in India. Addressing these challenges will provide a more comprehensive understanding of population dynamics, migratory patterns, and the ecological roles of elasmobranchs. This, in turn, will empower us to make well-informed decisions and foster collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of these essential marine species.

Socio-economic context of Indian fisheries

Many coastal communities in India have traditionally relied on elasmobranchs as a source of nutrition and livelihood. Shark and ray populations support artisanal, small-scale and semi-industrial marine fisheries, providing income and employment opportunities for fishing communities along the Indian coast. Their meat is predominantly used for consumption within the country by economically backward sections of the society. From the socio-economic perspective, there is good domestic, international and export demand in Indian fisheries for elasmobranchs. This involves balancing the economic needs of fishing communities with the conservation of these important marine species. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving improved regulations, enforcement, research, and awareness to ensure the long-term sustainability of elasmobranch populations and of the livelihoods dependent on them.